Since you asked…

Community Child Care Association’s blog for early childhood educators

Woman working at a desk, holding her phone, her laptop is open, and working alongside her other team members

Question: How can we ensure our QIP is a living document, which allows all educators to regularly contribute and stay up to date with our overall goals?

Answer: Switch up your approach

Focus less on people working directly with the document and more on how they engage with the process.

Having…


Woman with eyes closed, contemplating her next move

Question: What can I do to support a very tired team? I’ve only just taken up the educational leader role and it’s going to be an uphill climb for everyone as morale is extremely low.

Answer: Focus on meaningful relationships

During these tricky times, support for your team is crucial, and the best way to do this is by building meaningful…


Angry, overwhelmed child sitting at a table, massaging his temples

Question: Help! The children in my 2–3s room don’t listen to me. How can I be firmer with them?

Answer: Promote a calmer environment and reflect on the needs behind children’s behaviour

We hear you! Whilst 2 to 3-year-olds are a delightful and exuberant age group, we can often feel like their…


Cute little child drinking milk

Question: Are progressive meal times a good idea? How do we know if it’s right for our service?

Answer: Start small to see if it works for you

Whatever your service type, progressive meals are a wonderful way for children to have more choice and freedom in…


Teacher and children at meal time

Question: At mealtimes, a lot of children are refusing to eat the main meal, so educators are requesting sandwiches be prepared for them instead. How can we create a menu where all children are at least eating some of the main meals?

Answer: There are a few strategies you could try

  1. Offer a variety of foods. If you are having chicken and vegetables for lunch, ensure the vegetables are not…

Is it wrong for educators to use the word ‘kids’?

Question: Is it wrong for educators to use the word ‘kids’?

Answer: Choose professional language to foster a culture of respect

Children use the word ‘kids’ when they talk about ‘other kids’, and adults use it when talking about ‘their kids’,…


Child inside a tepee

Question: Is it ok to use tepees, or is this cultural appropriation?

Answer: It depends

Like every other decision we make in early childhood education and care, choosing whether it is right to use a tepee…


iStock - Boy in reflective jacket

Question: Should children wear high-vis vests on excursions?

Answer: It depends on your ‘why’

Many educators feel more comfortable using high-vis on excursions, and that’s okay. But when it comes to child…